MANILA—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on early Wednesday (Manila time) sought support from United Nations members for the Philippines' candidature to the Security Council.

"My country's experience in building peace and forging new paths of cooperation can enrich the work of the Security Council," Marcos said during his 20-minute speech at the 77th UN General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters.

"To this end, I appeal for the valuable support of all UN member states for the Philippines' candidature to the Security Council for the term 2027-2028."

Marcos cited the "success" of Manila's peace treaty in the southern Bangsamoro region in the Philippines to promote the country's candidacy.

"The peace that we have forged after many decades of conflict among warring factions and clansmen demonstrates that unity is possible even in the most trying circumstance," he said.

The primary responsibility of the UN Security Council, composed of 15 members, is to maintain international peace and security.

The council's five permanent members are China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Current temporary members are Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.

In January 2004, the Philippines assumed one of the elected seats in the Security Council for the term 2004-2005.

WIDENING GEOPOLITICAL POLARITIES

Marcos's call for support for the Philippines in the UN's most powerful body came as he warned of the effects of "widening geopolitical polarities and sharpening strategic competitions" in the international political landscape.

"A profound lack of trust is putting enormous strains on our multilateral system. Our very charter is being violated around the world as we speak. In Asia, our hard-won peace and stability (are) under threat by increasing strategic and ideological tensions," he told UN member states, without mentioning countries.

The President said these violations require the international community's action to "uphold the ideals" that led to the establishment of the UN.

Marcos noted the global "existential threat" of nuclear weapons despite international agreements designed to avert their use.

"We must reject the notion of deterrence and remain committed to decreasing the global stockpile of these weapons. At the same time, we must also address the scourge of the proliferation of all weapons— be they small arms, light weapons, or improvised explosive devices," he said.

His statement comes amid high tensions between China, Russia, and the US and its allies amid the Ukraine-Russian war and disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marcos has reiterated his foreign policy that the Philippines "shall continue to be a friend to all and an enemy of none" and will pursue stronger and "multi-faceted relationships with all our partners around the world."

• 'Marcos participation in UN General Assembly shows admin push for multilateralism'

In July, Marcos said he would "find ways to work to resolve the conflicts that we have" with China over territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

But he vowed his administration will assert the Philippines' sovereignty in its territories in the resource-rich waters.

• Marcos says he 'can't see' Philippines in the future without US as a partner